Tandem triumph as Kettering couple cycle hundreds of miles for charity

Mark and Dawn Pomfrett set themselves the challenge of cycling 1,050 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End in 14 days, and they crossed the finishing line last Thursday.

They received great support along the way as they cycled the length of the country and took on various terrains, including the Scottish highlands, along the Caledonian Canal, near Hadrian’s Wall at Carlisle and down through the Lake District, on their ‘big yellow banana’ tandem recumbent bike.

Mark said: “It was fantastic.

“It’s quite a heavy bike that we were using, but we got there in the end.”

The keen cyclists were cycling an average of 80 miles per day, although one day actually saw them complete more than 100 miles.

But they weren’t alone as they had the support of friends travelling in a motorhome alongside them and a number of friends also cycled with them at various points during the charity challenge.

Despite getting a puncture within 10 miles of setting off on the trip, Mark said: “We had a few things like that happen but we overcame them through perseverance and determination.

“We just had to keep going and keep pushing.”

The idea of cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End was first suggested by Mark, who wanted to do something in recognition of him turning 50 this year.

While he didn’t want a party for his 50th, there was good reason to celebrate when they reached Lands End on Thursday, with a number of friends greeting them as they completed the cycle ride last week.

They are well on the way to raising £2,000, which will go to their chosen charities of Help For Heroes, Home-Start Central Bedfordshire and IDID.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mark and Dawn can go to https://www.justgiving.com/Mark-Pomfrett/